Dortmund extends Sportradar sponsor vetting partnership
Borussia Dortmund has extended its partnership with Sportradar to investigate prospective sponsors and commercial partners, assessing ownership, regulatory compliance and potential reputational risks before agreements are signed.
Borussia Dortmund has renewed its integrity services agreement with Sportradar, retaining the sports technology company to conduct background investigations into potential sponsors and commercial partners.The exclusive arrangement supports the Bundesliga club’s assessment of prospective partners, with checks covering their ownership, business activities and any legal or regulatory issues that could expose Dortmund to reputational damage.Sportradar executive vice-president of integrity services Andreas Krannich said: “As the commercial landscape in sport continues to evolve, rights holders are looking beyond traditional sponsorship criteria and placing greater emphasis on long-term strategic fit.“Borussia Dortmund recognizes the importance of building partnerships that reflect the club’s values, resonate with its supporters and create sustainable value for all parties involved. We are delighted to continue supporting the club as it develops a strong ecosystem of trusted commercial relationships that contribute positively to its long-term ambitions.”Sportradar’s due diligence reports will examine corporate structures, ownership and licensing arrangements, alongside key personnel and the operations of businesses seeking a relationship with the club.The investigations will also review regulatory compliance and identify legal or criminal proceedings that could present risks, giving Dortmund information to consider alongside the commercial merits of a proposed agreement.The work falls within Sportradar’s Compliance, Risk and Governance division, which provides investigations and partner assessments for sports organisations.The renewal comes during an active period for Dortmund’s commercial operation, with the club adding technology partners and extending existing relationships across its sponsorship portfolio.Earlier this month, Dortmund announced an agreement with Freedom2hear to use artificial intelligence to filter harmful material from its social media channels.That service covers hate speech, harassment, pornography, spam and illegal broadcast links, supporting the club’s management of its online communities.Dortmund also renewed its partnership with IT services provider Adesso in September, extending that agreement for four years through the 2029/30 Bundesliga season.Sports marketing agency Sportfive remains the club’s commercial partner through 2030/31, while Sportradar’s role focuses on examining the organisations behind prospective deals.The company’s wider integrity business includes a separate partnership with FIFA, renewed earlier this year through 2031, combining betting monitoring with intelligence, investigation and risk assessment support.That agreement covers a broad range of international and domestic football competitions, while the Dortmund work addresses the risks associated with entering commercial relationships.Sportradar, headquartered in St Gallen, Switzerland, also supplies sports data and audiovisual services to betting operators, media companies and governing bodies.